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Acts 22:5

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 22:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and journeyed to Damascus to bring them also that were there unto Jerusalem in bonds to be punished.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and journeyed to Damascus to bring them also that were there unto Jerusalem in bonds to be punished.
Acts 22:5 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 22

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2And when they heard that he spake unto them in the Hebrew language, they were the more quiet: and he saith,
3I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, even as ye all are this day:
4and I persecuted this Way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
5As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and journeyed to Damascus to bring them also that were there unto Jerusalem in bonds to be punished.
6And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and drew nigh unto Damascus, about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
7And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
8And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
← Acts 22:4Acts 22:6 →
← Full Chapter 22 Acts Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“As also the high priest doth bear me witness, etc.] Either Annas, or Caiaphas, who was at that time high priest; and it should seem by this, that he was still in being; or else that the apostle had preserved his letter, written with his own hand, which he was able to produce at any time, as a testimony of the truth of what he had said, or was about to say; since he speaks of him (as now) bearing him witness, or as one that could: and all the estate of the elders; the whole Jewish sanhedrim, for this character respects not men in years, but men in office, and such who were members of the high court of judicature in Jerusalem; from whom also I received letters unto the brethren; some render it…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“the high priest--still alive. doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders--the whole Sanhedrim.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“As also the high priest ... - See the notes on Acts 9:2. All the estate of the elders - Greek: all the presbytery; that is, the whole body of the Sanhedrin, or Great Council of the nation. Unto the brethren - The Jewish brethren who were at Damascus. Paul here speaks as a Jew, and regards his countrymen as his brethren. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The high priest is my witness - Is able to testify. The brethren - Jews: so this title was not peculiar to the Christians. Acts 22:6”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“also: Act 9:1, Act 9:2, Act 9:14, Act 26:10, Act 26:12 and all: Act 4:5, Act 5:21; Luk 22:66 the brethren: Act 22:1; Rom 9:3, Rom 9:4 Acts 22:6”
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Related study paths

Read Acts 22 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification